'I decided to stay in the slip stream of the other competitors as it was a breezy day and to conserve my strength for the sprint finish of a lifetime. I've been training for this event ever since I was 6 years old.

My entry was a wild card as one of the ex Pres' stepped down at the last minute presenting me with the opportunity to show what I could do. I didn't hesitate to take the chance offered. I am only thankful I had enough left for the final burst.

I paced myself waiting for my chance. I saw a gap open up between Stan 'the egg and spoon man 'Toplis and the flower bed and I took it, surging forward to the finish. It was both exhilarating and emotional. It was a tough race with such strong opponents!"